A Hidden America: Children of Appalachia

I really want to discuss this episode of 2020. I am from Eastern Kentucky, I am a child of the Appalachia Mountains. I will admit I was weary about how Kentucky would be portrayed (see earlier post). It amazes me how you can go 20 miles of the town where I am from and see people living as if they were in a third world country.
I was in tears throughout the majority of the show. It really hurts me that people live this way, especially so close to my home.
There are many people who are from this area that are upset of the way Eastern Kentucky was portrayed. It is upsetting, upsetting in the fact that this is the way some people are forced to live. Eastern Kentucky is a beautiful and wonderful place to live and I wish that sometimes the world would focus on that. But right now the children who are loosing their loved ones to perscription pills and being forced into foster care are the ones who need attention. I find it so selfish that people want the world to know that some people who live in Eastern Kentucky live in lavish homes or drive expensive cars, when right now that is not the issue. The issue is those who barely have a home. Case in point the high school football stars that sleeps in his truck or in the locker room on a mattress (my eyes start filling up with tears just thinking about it).
I realize that there is poverty throughout the United States. I know that there are homeless people in big cities and small towns. But in big cities they have services (homeless shelters, free clinics on almost every other bloc, and soup kitchens) here in E. KY those things are rare. I only hope that that will change after 2020.
I just don't understand how people can just sit there and complain that they didn't show any of the "wealthy" people on national television, while this is going on. I am so inspired to go out there and do whatever I can to help put a stop to this.
As for my fellow Kentuckian and sorority sister Diane Sawyer I thought she did a wonderful job.
I'm not sure if you can watch the episode online and watch the episode but if you can I highly recommend it. It's hard to believe that this is happening in our country. if you get a chance visit this site.(http://www.americandiversityproject.org/2008/multimedia/) A group of media students came to Eastern Kentucky over the summer to get some shots of Eastern Kentucky. There media piece is excellent as well as the photos.
Now some pictures of Eastern Kentucky...

This is of Bad Branch Falls in Letcher County. It is one of the prettiest places I have ever been, so peaceful.

This picture is from abc.com this is where the star football player that I mentioned lived earlier lives. This is 2 counties away from where I am from.


ABC News' Diane Sawyer poses with 12-year-old Courtney, second from right, and three generations of mountain women. Courtney's grandmother, Dinah, far left, holds her sister Sable, 2. Also pictured are Courtney's mother, Angel, far right, and sisters Hannah, 7, and Mary, 11. In total, 11 people live under one roof. (photo and caption from abc.com)


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This is a picture I took at the Pikeville airport in August of last year. These are my mountains. I will eventually leave this area and head further south, but these mountains will always be the place I call home.

Well surprisingly today has been a pretty good Friday the 13th. I had my follow up appointment for my knee surgery and had my stitches removed. Unfortunately, I have some fluid built up on my knee so I still have to be easy on it. I was going to try Zumba with some girlfriends, but he nixed that idea, he said I needed to wait until he saw me back in two weeks. Speaking of Zumba has anyone tried it?
My mother went shopping with N. and I today for Valentines presents and cards. She got the cutest salt and pepper shakers today.




Are these not perfect for summer meals on the porch. :) She also gave me an early Valentine's Day gift, a cute recipe/takeout menu organizer. This is the ideal gift for me considering the fact I am always printing off recipes, especially those from Weight Watchers Wednesday.
I also took N. to get his hair cut (I'm sure if y'all have seen my recent pictures the boy was in need of a major trim!) ;) I also squeezed in an eyebrow waxing, that to was needed too...badly!
I am nervously awaiting Diane Sawyers 2020 tonight, "A Hidden American: Children of the Mountains. I am always weary when people show the Appalachian Mountains. There are hardly ever any positive views. I wish they would show how it really is, instead of finding the few people that fall under the horrible stereotypes.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday the 13th!
CMFH

Weight Watchers Wednesday

So I'm trying hard to get back into the groove. I almost forgot about WWW I have been super busy, but I'm here now! ;)
I've started keeping a file on my computer to store recipes whenever I come across one that I would like to try (I figure that this will do, until I can find some recipe cards that I really like.)
I have actually made this recipe and it is very tasty. I should have posted it before the Superbowl, because it would have made a great appetizer.

Seven Layer Mexican Dip

• 1 cup fat-free sour cream
• 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium taco seasoning
• 9 oz fat-free bean dip, about 1 heaping cup
• 6 oz guacamole, about 3/4 cup
• 1/4 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 medium scallion(s), chopped
• 1 small tomato(es), chopped
• 6 medium olive(s), black, sliced

• Combine sour cream and taco seasoning; mix well.

• Spread bean dip on bottom of a 12-inch round glass serving bowl or edged-platter. Top with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, scallions, tomatoes and olives. Yields about 1/4 cup dip per serving.

*Points per serving: 2
*Makes 12 servings
(recipe from Weight Watchers Online


In other news I received an A on my first student teacher observation! I was really surprised, considering how nervous I was.
I am very excited for this weekend because my best friend is coming in from Ohio this weekend and I haven't seen her for awhile. Unfortunately, she is not coming home under good circumstances, her fiance's grandfather passed away today, so please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Well my bed is calling my name and I am afraid I must answer.
Sweet dreams,
CMFH

motivation

I didn't go to Weight Watchers tonight, my leg hurt too bad. I'm ready to get back on track...I think motivation finally found its way back to me. :) It stinks that when I am unable to work out it's all I want to do...go figure.
Tomorrow I have my first observation for student teaching I'm a little nervous. Well I better go get my lesson ready.
Sweet dreams to all,
CMFH

Recovering and Passing the Time

Well I made it home after surgery. My knee is extremely sore even with the meds. Luckily I am keeping myself occupied by catching up on everyone's blogs. I am having some trouble posting comments on some peoples entries and not on others. When I go to post a comment and the box opens in a separate window it does fine and lets me comment, but if it stays on the same page it won't let me post. Forgive me if none of this makes sense, I blame it on the meds. ;)
Oh and is anyone else excited for the greys/private practice crossover! I hope it's good! What are your thoughts on Denny being on the show? As crazy as it sounds I can't get enough of Jeffrey Dean Moran even if his character is dead...I guess I'm morbid. But he is a fine piece of man!
CMFH

Weight Watchers Wednesday

So I have fallen off of the Weight Watchers wagon. I've been snowed in and haven't been to a meeting in three weeks...three weeks. Unfortunately I am one of those people that have to go to the meetings to succeed. I need motivation other than wobbly bits I suppose.
So I am going to start doing Weight Watcher Wednesdays! Hopefully this will give me the motivation that I need to succeed again.
So without further ado my first Weight Watcher Wednesday recipe! Enjoy this is super yummy! Hope y'all love it as much as I do.

Roasted Garlic and Onion Linguine

All the flavor of a pasta dish without the guilt

Nutrition Facts: 3 WW Points, Calories 180, Fat 1g, Protein 7g, Carbohydrates 36g, Cholesterol 3mg, Sodium 113mg

Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients

• 2 small onions
• 1 head garlic
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 cup grated nonfat parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup nonfat chicken broth, no salt added
• 2 tsp. cracked black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 12 oz. linguine, uncooked

Instructions

1. Peel onion, and cut each into 8 wedges
2. Gently peel outer skin from garlic and discard
3. Cut off and discard top one-fourth of garlic had
4. Place onion and garlic, cut sides up, in center of a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, coat with cooking spray
5. Fold foil over onion and garlic, sealing tightly
6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until onion and garlic are soft
7. Remove from oven and let cool
8. Remove and discard skin from garlic
9. Scoop out garlic pulp with a small spoon
10. Position knife blade in food processor bowl, add garlic pulp, onion and cheese
11. Pulse 5 times or until combined
12. Add broth and next 3 ingredients to garlic mixture
13. Process until mixture is finely chopped
14. Set aside
15. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat, drain
16. Add garlic mixture, toss lightly
17. Serve immediately

Another snow day. I am unfortunately getting used to this. I love being able to stay at home with N. all day. :)
My knee surgery is Thursday and I'm getting a little nervous. I know I will be miserable laying in bed with nothing to do. I have to stock up on magazines and movies to occupy me, I hope that I am not in too much pain to enjoy them.